Intake Clinician

Job Summary

This full-time Intake Clinician position is responsible for managing all aspects of Bridges to Chage (BTC) participant intake process including communicating directly with participants and their stakeholders. They guide participants through the intake process, gather necessary information, schedule appointments, and ensure a smooth handoff to clinical teams.  The Intake Clinician is responsible for supporting participant access to services including assisting participant in obtaining required eligibility documentation, as appropriate, and verifies appropriateness of engagement including risk mitigation and triage support. Additionally, this role screens and assesses for services, developing a preliminary treatment plan, and collaborating with clinical supervisors and/or clinical operations team to assign new clients to their treatment providers.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serve a diverse population effectively, through trauma informed, culturally responsive and evidenced-based approaches to care.
• Deliver behavioral health services to participants, dedicating at least 65% of scheduled time to direct client services and ensuring all eligible services are accurately documented and successfully billed.
• Conduct initial mental health and substance use disorder screenings and assessments to determine participant needs and appropriate levels of care.
• Develop preliminary individualized treatment plans to support client engagement in immediate access to care, providing resources and referrals, as needed.
• Support case management and care coordination needs of participants in alignment with BTC values and clinical philosophy.
• Complete documentation of services, progress notes, and client interactions in accordance with organizational standards within 24 hours, not to exceed 72 hours.
• Coordinate intake with individuals seeking treatment, complete necessary intake paperwork with participant and support smooth transitions to care.
• Schedule appointments, consultations and follow-up sessions with participants.
• Verify insurance coverage and coordinate authorization for services.
• Contact third party payers and verify coverage.
• Complete financial agreement paperwork and payment arrangements with each participant.
• Coordinate utilization review, as required by third party payers.
• Assist in the development and implementation of intake protocols.
• Maintain fidelity to the evidence-based treatment models and interventions adopted by BTC.
• Complete all required trainings in a timely manner and participate in assigned seminars, trainings, and professional development opportunities to enhance clinical skills and competencies.
• Uphold organizational and credentialing ethics, including professional boundaries, confidentiality, and trauma-informed communication standards.
• Respond to participant crises with a trauma-informed approach, utilizing de-escalation strategies, administering Narcan in overdose situations, and activating emergency and supervisory support in accordance with BTC procedures.
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and training as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive participant information in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 and organizational policies.
• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, confidentiality regulations, and all applicable federal and state behavioral health standards.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following are the minimum levels required to successfully perform the Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities.

• Master's degree in counseling, social work or similar field, required
• QMHP credential, required
• CADC-I preferred; CADC-R or equivalent documented SUD training/CEUs, required
• State ORCHARDS BCU background check clearance, required
• Experience working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, strongly preferred
• Demonstrated competency in supporting participants from diverse genders and communities, including understanding how social determinants, systemic inequities, and cultural factors influence engagement, safety needs, and recovery goals
• Basic computer literacy, including proficiency with Word, Outlook, and the ability to learn and maintain documentation within an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system in compliance with agency, state, and federal standards
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain clear professional and therapeutic boundaries while engaging participants with empathy, respect, and clinical intention
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage participants using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and motivational interviewing approaches
• Skilled in conducting individual and group counseling, rapport building, and facilitating client engagement in alignment with evidence-based and recovery-oriented practices
• Ability to recognize clinical concerns, including co-occurring mental health symptoms, substance use patterns, and risk factors, and respond within scope of practice through appropriate intervention, safety planning, or referral
• Experience with crisis prevention, de-escalation, and intervention strategies, including the ability to remain calm, regulated, and exercise sound clinical judgment in high-stress situations
• Well-developed clinical documentation skills, with the ability to produce accurate, concise, and timely records that meet Medicaid, regulatory, and internal quality standards
• Ability to manage multiple clinical priorities in a fast-paced behavioral health environment while maintaining attention to detail, participant safety, and compliance requirements
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, community partners, and external providers to support coordinated, high-quality care
• Knowledge of at-risk and marginalized populations, with the ability to provide services using evidence-based, person-centered, and culturally responsive approaches
• Strong commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and adherence to professional standards and regulatory guidelines applicable to the role and level of credentialing

Working Conditions

Environment and Physical Requirements: This position is based in an office or community-based clinical setting and may occasionally require work at other BTC program locations such as recovery centers or administrative sites. Those locations are subject to a variety of environmental weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, and dust. This position interacts constantly with staff, visitors, program participants, government agencies, and others. The role may involve exposure to substances such as alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia, and biohazards (including bodily fluids) in the course of routine duties. Appropriate precautions, PPE, and training are provided in accordance with BTC policy and OSHA standards. The position stands, walks, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours. The incumbent must be able to lift, push, pull and move files, supplies and equipment in excess of 15 pounds.

Emotional and Cognitive Demands: Work in behavioral health settings involves regular exposure to individuals experiencing emotional distress, crisis and/or unpredictable behavior. Staff may encounter verbally escalated interactions, trauma-related content, and situations requiring rapid assessment, sound judgment, and effective de-escalation skills. The role requires sustained emotional regulation, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and resilience when supporting participants with complex behavioral health, substance use, and psychosocial needs. Crisis situations may occur with little warning and require immediate attention, adherence to safety protocols, and clear communication with team members.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position. Employees in this role are generally scheduled for a 40-hour workweek, typically Monday through Friday; however, some positions may be assigned a different 40-hour schedule based on program needs, including hours outside standard operating times. Occasional evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may also be required to support program operations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities: This job description is a summary of the essential duties and responsibilities for this job, and it does not necessarily represent an all-inclusive list of duties, responsibilities, tasks or procedures. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instruction or assignments. Nothing in this description restricts Bridges’ right to assign or reassign duties at any time.

Accommodation Statement: Essential job duties and responsibilities are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform the job successfully, an incumbent or applicant must possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform each essential duty and responsibility proficiently. If you require an accommodation in order to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job, please contact the Bridges to Change Human Resources Department.

Bridges to Change is an Equal Opportunity Employer